Freshman Michigan guard Jett Howard has informed Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he intends to declare for the 2023 NBA draft.
Howard, currently recovering from injuries to both his ankles for the next month, is projected as the No. 15 prospect in Givony’s latest mock draft.
“This was a great learning year for me,” Howard told Givony. “It’s what I needed. It taught me how to play within a pro-style offense and be effective, to get out of my comfort zone, and play with other good players.”
The 6’8″ swingman was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team and All-Freshman Team. Givony adds that, before his ankle ailments, Howard had been considered a possible top-10 selection in this year’s draft. Across 29 games in 2022/23, all starts, he posted averages of 14.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.0 APG and 0.7 BPG.
“I’ve had both ankles nagging for a while, so my dad [Michigan head coach and former All-Star big man Juwan Howard] and the coaching staff agreed with the specialist that it’s better for me to get to 100%,” Howard said. “I was only 50-60% [healthy] for most of the Big Ten. My dad being the coach, he is was looking out for me and wanted the best for my health. He understands that ankles are tricky. I met with a specialist after the Big Ten tournament and they wanted me to rehab for four to five weeks.”
Plane to see that Jett’s high-flying ability has been grounded by ankle injuries, just hope it isn’t terminal
Dumb move
I see what you did there. Well done
One and dones can’t even play a full college season with boys
Very poor decision on his part,
He hasn’t proved anything
Poor decision? I would have to disagree. He’s a possible lottery pick with millions of dollars waiting for him. If he comes back to school and gets hurt again he risks significant money. Sure he could improve his draft stock some, but the risk reward doesn’t seem worth it.
Not sure how many college players prove anything before turning pro, or why proving something for free is more important than securing your career, but I think he’s making the right call
Does he stay in the draft class or pulls out like others do later? I say he pulls out of the draft and plays one more season under his father. Boost his stock and be a potential top 6 instead of a possible 20th overall pick. He needs to hit the gym and have a more productive and healthy sophomore season. I seriously think that he goes late in the first round or by mid second round.